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Aluminium Extrusion

ChinaSavvy endeavours to provide the best quality aluminium extrusions to suit your exact requirements. Based in Guangzhou, China, and boasting with international offices in both the UK and USA, we are also an ISO 9001:2008 registered firm.

What are Aluminium Extrusions?

The process of aluminium extrusion is best described as a technique used to transform aluminium alloy into parts and objects that have a definitive cross-sectional profile. These parts, or objects, are then typically employed for a wide range of uses.

Easily machined and casted because of its malleability, aluminium also possesses a set of unique physical characteristics; being only one third the density and stiffness of steel. This allows for manufacturing of parts and products that offer both strength and stability.

Strength and stability can be further increased when alloyed with other metals.

Aluminum Extrusion Process

Die Design and Creation

First, the desired shape of the die is designed and created. Once this step is complete, a billet of aluminium is heated (usually from 800°F to 925°F) and then transferred to the loader. Here a lubricant is added to prevent the billet from sticking to the extrusion machine parts itself, the handle and the ram.

Applying Pressure to the Billet

Once lubrication is complete and the billet has been loaded, pressure, using the ram, is applied to what is called a dummy block. This causes the aluminium billet to be pushed into the container, forcing it through the die.

Introduction of Nitrogen

To prevent oxide formation, aluminium extrusion suppliers introduce nitrogen (either in gas or liquid form) to the process. The nitrogen is then allowed to move through the various sections of the die. By doing this, an inert atmosphere is created, also aiding in prolonging the life of the die.

Aluminium Extrusion Cooling

The extruded part now passes onto the run-out table and one, long piece in the same shape as the die opening. From here, it is pulled to the cooling table where fans are employed to cool the newly created aluminium extrusion.

After proper cooling has taken place, the extruded aluminium is moved to the stretcher. Here straightening and work hardening is completed.

Cutting & Hardening

Once the extrusion has hardened, it is taken to the saw table where it is cut into the desired lengths.

Finally, the extrusion is treated with heat in what is called age ovens. This process hardens the aluminium, effectively speeding up the aging process.

More Complex Extrusions

This process used for aluminium extrusions can also be adapted to include more complex features, especially used for the creation of custom aluminium extruded parts. A great example of these complexities includes the use of piercing mandrels or pins inside the die to create hollow sections.

Extrusion Adjustment

After the extrusion process has been completed, many options exist which allow aluminium extrusion suppliers to adjust the texture, colour, and brightness of the extruded part.